In spite of the weather Mother Nature is doling out, there is still plenty to be thankful for in this community, this province and this country. Also, if you are traveling this long weekend, be sure to take your time and arrive alive!
Make sure you take time to buy a coffee or extend a handshake of thanks to one of your local firefighters as we recognize National Fire Prevention Week. These community members give up much time away from their jobs, homes and families to not only stay on top of training, but continue to attend weekly meetings and practices so they are ready to serve the community鈥檚 needs. Several of the Unity Fire Department members have more than 20 years of service. We owe them all our gratitude and appreciation. Our local newspaper had a great spread in the Oct. 4 issue showcasing these fine folks. The UFD was thankful for the recent donations of $500 each from 8th Avenue Estates and Prairie Moon Inn and Suites that was put toward their recent elevator rescue and firefighter operation training.
A big thank you again for all the kind words extended from my out-of-Unity readers that include Keith and Clare at Maidstone, Jim and Janice in North Battleford and, recently, Gwen from Battleford. These words go a long way as they help me to know that I am on the right track and others outside of our community enjoy our Unity news.
The all candidates forum held in Unity on Oct. 1 that included the NDP鈥檚 Marcella Pedersen, People鈥檚 Party鈥檚 Jason MacInnis, Liberal鈥檚 Larry Ingram and Conservative鈥檚 Rosemarie Falk, gave the people in attendance a good review of party platforms as well as the opportunity to pose questions to the candidates. Thank you to our Unity Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring and hosting this event that gave people a chance to meet and hear from federal election candidates. It was truly interesting to hear different versions from both candidates and audience members on the topic of climate change. Don鈥檛 forget to vote Oct. 21.
Unity Credit Union is excitedly anticipating the soon-to-be completion of their renovations. They are now working in their new space, free of much of the construction chaos that ensued before, with finishing touches yet to be complete. Even the ATM is back inside, a welcome sight for all who use it. Join the Unity Credit Union on Thursday, Oct. 17 for their Credit Union Day celebrations that will take place all day.
At Unity Public School, as part of Fire Prevention Week, students will experience a presentation from their local fire department. Next week is book fair week at UPS as well as family fun nights included as part of this event. Staff and students are also preparing for upcoming Education Week activities. There will be no school Monday due to Thanksgiving.
St. Peter鈥檚 school continues their Thanksgiving collections for their local food bank. Oct. 10, everyone is welcome to join them for Thanksgiving Mass at 11am. This mass will be followed by the tradition of Shared Soup. Choir will continue practices as they are performing at an upcoming senior tea event and mass. The local fire department will also visit the school for their annual presentation recognizing National Fire Prevention Week. The community needs to know that not every hero wears a cape. UFD encourages families to plan and practice their escape whether at home or visiting elsewhere.
At UCHS, students are showing that kindness matters to them. They will continue to host their 鈥渟haring table鈥� with the intention of those who have items they don鈥檛 want, like or need in their lunch to donate to the sharing table, while those who are in need of some sustenance are welcome to visit this discreet location to grab something. It鈥檚 a win-win situation for the donor, the recipient and the school. As well, students hosted a 鈥渕ix-it-up鈥� lunch in scavenger hunt style encouraging students to mix with other students over the lunch break, while enjoying their favourite tunes in the halls. Volleyball, cross country and football continues to keep extra curricula life busy. As well, robotics has rebooted for this year. Drama rehearsals have begun. Last weekend senior boys held their home tournament on Oct. 5. UCHS is proud to provide the gym for the Oct. 12 UCHS Alumni Tyler Zunti Memorial Volleyball Tournament. Volleyball will continue to host upcoming tournaments that include home tournaments for Grade 7 boys and girls Oct. 18 and junior girls Oct. 19. On Oct. 26, the junior girls will host conference playoffs and, on Oct. 31, district playoffs. The senior B girls will host their home tournament Nov. 2.
Unity Minor football has hosted semi finals and are coming towards the end of their season and are still undefeated. Watch social media of updates on what鈥檚 left on tap for this division of football.
The Unity arena will finish up the NWT sponsored 3-on-3 conditioning hockey tournament this weekend. All other teams have hit the ice and are starting their league games and play for this coming season. Senior hockey fans are happy to know additional teams will be in the SWHL this season so there will be even more opportunity to catch the Miners in action. The town extends their thanks to Richardson Pioneer and Unity Credit Union for their contributions of $25,000 each towards the purchase of a new Zamboni, now in operation for this rink season.
The Unity Curling Club ice will begin the creation phase on Oct. 11 and curling season will soon follow. Oct. 15 and 16 is registration at the club from 7 to 9 each night. Oct. 21-25 is a free curling week for anyone and a great opportunity for those learn-to-curl folks who want to give it a try
Wednesdays continue to be a busy night in Unity as pickleball, which has now moved to the high school, continues from 7-9. As well, weekly Mental Wellness support group sessions continue at the Unity Health Centre, open to anyone who is in need or interested. The Lions Club 鈥淐hase the Ace鈥� also continues each Wednesday at the Legion Hall.
It鈥檚 fall supper season and while waiting for Unity鈥檚 turn to host these annual events you can be sure you won鈥檛 have to travel far to find one being hosted in a neighbouring community. Kerrobert will host their second fall supper event Oct. 20, which is also the same day as Macklin鈥檚 fall supper event. Unity will host Nov. 3 at St. Peter鈥檚 and Nov. 16 at Unity United church.
Congratulations to Unity鈥檚 Shauna Hammer, who was the winner of the Bob Pedde memorial award at a recent Saskatchewan Special Olympics awards event. The award is given to someone whose dedication to the Special Olympics movement is legendary. Some of her nomination included these words, 鈥淪hauna enriches the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities through the sport of powerlifting, and setting up training schedules that are very effective, giving athletes the opportunity to pursue their full potential.. Shauna鈥檚 personality and knowledge create an environment of respect, cooperation, collaboration and dignity from all the athletes.鈥�
Coffee row are hoping for, praying for and supporting each other in this unstable weather and early winter鈥檚 arrival as we all want our farmer friends to be able to finish their harvest, knowing they have had enough challenges this year. Events and activities are always hot topics as Unity plays host to many. There is always room at these tables and plenty of laughter to be shared. So you see we keep busy here in Unity with wisdom, laughter and plenty of fun with our friends on coffee row.
